Military Retirement Podcast

What happens after you drop the mic and leave the military behind?

In this powerful episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, John and Vic sit down with Pedro Zambrano — retired Marine Master Sergeant and former career recruiter — to talk about what REALLY matters during the military-to-civilian transition.

Pedro shares hard-earned lessons from recruiting duty, SkillBridge, entering unfamiliar careers, and why veterans must learn to be “comfortable being uncomfortable” after retirement.

We dive deep into:

✅ Identity loss after the uniform
✅ Why the first 30–60 days after separation are critical
✅ Networking with purpose (LinkedIn done right)
✅ SkillBridge mistakes to avoid
✅ Transition grief, mindset, and building your next mission
✅ Entrepreneurship vs. chasing comfort
✅ Books and tools that helped along the way

If you're retiring, separating, or simply trying to find your next purpose after service — this episode is full of golden nuggets.

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⏱️ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome + John traveling & lost baggage
04:20 The viral question: Can 100 men defeat a gorilla?
10:30 Meet Pedro Zambrano (Retired Marine Master Sergeant)
14:40 Recruiting duty: toxic leadership, pressure, and growth
22:00 Transition to civilian recruiting & senior technical recruiter role
28:30 SkillBridge lessons + waiting too long to prepare
36:00 Identity after retirement: “When it’s over, it’s over”
42:10 Why relationships are the #1 transition tool
48:00 Trying something completely new to humble yourself
55:30 LinkedIn networking: don’t wait until you need it
1:05:00 Communication tips + learning civilian industry language
1:15:00 Comfortable being uncomfortable after service
1:23:00 Would you join the military today? Advice for the next generation
1:32:00 The hardest month after separation + veteran support gaps
1:40:00 Book recommendations for veterans
1:50:00 Where to connect with Pedro + closing thoughts

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📚 BOOKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Never Split the Difference — Chris Voss https://amzn.to/45PicUT
• Grit — Angela Duckworth https://amzn.to/4anmAfi
• How to Master the Art of Selling — Tom Hopkins https://amzn.to/3Zn0ynU
• Good to Great — Jim Collins https://amzn.to/4a69C6Q
• Rebel Without a Crew — Robert Rodriguez https://amzn.to/4rwInIb
• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (Free): https://www.navalmanack.com/
• The Coffee Bean — Jon Gordon https://amzn.to/4a3l1UT
• Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military
https://amzn.to/4r4AaLK

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🔗 CONNECT WITH US

📌 Join the Military Retirement Group on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup

📩 Business / Guest Requests
[email protected]

🎥 Vic’s Channel
@TheGreenLogbook

💼 Connect With Us on LinkedIn
(Search “Military Retirement Podcast”)

#MilitaryRetirement #VeteranTransition #SkillBridge #LinkedInNetworking #LifeAfterTheMilitary #Veterans

What happens when you hang up the uniform…and realize your next mission isn’t about a title?In this Military Retirement Podcast episode, we sit down with Annette Whittenberger — Editor-in-Chief of Veteran Lifestyle Magazine — to talk purpose after retirement, imposter syndrome, mental health, routines that keep you grounded, and why veterans need platforms where they can be seen and heard.We also dig into the power of “just doing the thing,” how music and fitness support mental health, and why building community matters so much after service.🎯 If you’re navigating transition, retirement, or the “what now?” phase — this episode will hit home.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Intro + Easter reset / family time03:10 Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) update + what’s next06:20 Guest intro: Annette Whittenberger09:10 “A Wild Ride Called Life” — healing journey + finding your voice14:30 Veteran Lifestyle Magazine — mission + bridging military/civilian communities20:40 Imposter syndrome, titles, and why “doing it” makes you the thing27:10 Music as healing + pursuing dreams later in life33:20 Ikigai (purpose) + choosing your next mission after the uniform39:30 Military culture changes (beards/standards) + readiness discussion45:00 Post-service routines: fitness, music, staying steady mentally50:30 Giving veterans a platform + stories that need to be told55:10 Where to find Annette + Veteran Lifestyle Magazine57:30 Closing + how to connect with the show🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES (discussed / relevant)• Veteran Lifestyle Magazine: https://veteranlifestylemagazine.com/• Annette’s site (“A Wild Ride Called Life”): https://awildridecalledlife.com/• Annette on Instagram: @awildridecalledlife• Veteran Lifestyle Magazine IG: @veteranlifestylemagazine• VA VR&E (Veteran Readiness & Employment): https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/• VA VRRAP (Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program): https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/veteran-rapid-retraining-assistance/• Book mentioned: Rebel Without a Crew (Robert Rodriguez): https://amzn.to/4r3D1ED• The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (free): https://www.navalmanack.com/✅ CONNECT WITH US📌 Join the Military Retirement Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup📩 Email: [email protected]🎥 Vic’s Channel: @TheGreenLogbook💼 Connect on LinkedIn #MilitaryRetirement #Veterans #Transition #VRE #VRRAP #MentalHealth #LifeAfterTheMilitary #VeteranLifestyle

John and Vic dive into a powerful conversation about what really makes you happy after leaving the military. From stepping away from the constant grind to finding peace in simplicity, we explore how veterans can reclaim freedom, purpose, and mental clarity after service.
Vic shares his experience taking a much-needed break on the Oregon coast, reflecting on how disconnecting from distractions, social media, and nonstop notifications can completely reset your mindset.
We also talk about the transition struggles many veterans face after retirement:
What happens when the uniform comes off?
How do you find your next purpose?
Why slowing down is sometimes the best move
The importance of family, connection, and mental health
This episode is packed with relatable insights, book recommendations, and real talk about building a life that feels meaningful beyond the military.
⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters
00:00 Welcome back to the Military Retirement Podcast
02:30 Vic’s Oregon coast reset & getting away from overwhelm
06:45 “Do what makes you happy” and simplifying life
10:20 The Tao of Pooh & learning wisdom from simplicity
15:30 Cutting distractions: phone minimalism & mental clarity
22:10 Finding peace through environment and quiet time
28:40 Purpose after retirement: “What happens next?”
35:00 Taking intentional breaks and avoiding the rush back to work
42:15 Veteran community connections & American Legion invite
50:30 Family meals, relationships, and what matters most
58:00 Deferred resignation, freedom, and time with loved ones
1:05:30 Mindset shift after the military transition
1:15:00 Staying healthy after retirement (don’t let yourself go)
1:22:00 Book recommendations for veterans
1:30:00 Escaping news/social media anxiety
1:40:00 Upcoming guests and future podcast episodes
1:45:00 Final thoughts: simplicity, happiness, and veteran support
📚 Books & Resources Mentioned
The Tao of Pooh – Benjamin Hoff https://amzn.to/45QAS6F
The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz https://amzn.to/3NU4kTg
On the Shortness of Life – Seneca https://amzn.to/4bC4Q1W
The Way to Wealth – Benjamin Franklin https://amzn.to/400JP9X
Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl https://amzn.to/4ayX87I
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – Eric Jorgenson (Free PDF available online) https://amzn.to/4kwQ8vx
Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman https://amzn.to/4cdzKhd
The Daily Stoic – Ryan Holiday https://amzn.to/4acBqXf
The Daily Laws – Robert Greene https://amzn.to/4arcmL0
Make Your Bed – Admiral William H. McRaven https://amzn.to/4kjbJr4
🔗 Connect With Us
📌 Join the Military Retirement Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup
📩 Email: [email protected]
🎥 Vic’s Channel: @TheGreenLogbook
💼 Connect on LinkedIn

John and Vic sit down for another "Veteran Talk and Coffee" to discuss the evolving landscape of military life and the personal transition journey. We dive into the Navy's new contract with the N app for body composition, the ongoing debate over grooming standards and beards in the fleet, and why "structured stress" is a vital part of military training.We also explore tactical tools for focus, including Vic's "digital minimalism" experiment and the power of journaling with the Apple Pencil and Remarkable tablet. Finally, we tackle the deep questions: What kind of legacy are you leaving for your children, and what will you do with the "4,000 weeks" of your life?Key Topics and Timestamps:[00:01:34] Navy Quality of Service: Discussing the $466k pilot program providing the N weight-loss app to sailors in the fitness enhancement program.[00:08:11] The Grooming Standards Debate: Observations on relaxed grooming standards, beards in the Navy, and the "war-fighting mission" litmus test.[00:15:22] Old School Standards: starching cammies and the transition from black boots to modern gear.[00:20:59] Structured Stress: Why the "Silent Retreat" and extreme stress in boot camp and OCS/TBS prepare leaders for the chaos of combat.[00:33:40] Don't Quit at 15 Years: A reality check for those struggling with leadership late in their career—why pushing to 20 is essential for your future.[00:41:58] Digital Minimalism: Vic shares how a "dumb phone app" cut his screen time from 5 hours to near-zero, reclaiming his mental bandwidth.[00:47:30] Analog vs. Digital Journaling: Comparing the Apple Pencil on iPad (GoodNotes) vs. the Remarkable Tablet for internalizing thoughts.[00:55:27] Veteran Literature: A shoutout to Omar Portilla’s Dust Settles and the healing power of writing through PTSD.[01:00:26] The Almanac of Naval Ravikant: Discussing "productizing yourself" and escaping competition through authenticity.[01:13:31] The 4,000 Week Rule: Oliver Burkeman’s Meditations for Mortals and how to manage the finite time we have left.[01:23:23] Legacy and Shadow: A powerful discussion on raising children who don't feel they have to "outdo" their veteran parents, but rather build their own path.Resources Mentioned:Book: Dust Settles by Omar Portilla. https://amzn.to/45QyQU5Book: The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher. https://amzn.to/4r7fWkvBook: Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. https://amzn.to/4r2QU5NNonprofit: Support the Enlisted Project (STEP). https://www.teamstepusa.org/Military Retirement Group (Facebook): Join 2,700+ veterans for peer support. https://www.facebook.com/groups/themilitaryretirementgroup#Veteran #Military #MilitaryToCivilian #MilitaryTransition #VeteranBenefits #YoutubeLiveIf you would like to start your own livestream or podcast, go check out 🎙️ StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

John and Vic are joined by Omar Portilla, a Marine Corps veteran, filmmaker, and author of the poetry collection Dust Settles. Omar shares his raw and honest journey of navigating the "wide open ocean" of transition, from being recalled for multiple deployments to finding his footing in the New York arts scene.

We discuss the "Minimalist Phone" habit, the importance of trying multiple jobs to find your "Gold," and how creative writing became a critical tool in Omar’s journey with PTSD.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[01:25] The "Dumb Phone" Experiment: Vic discusses moving toward a "minimalist phone launcher" to reclaim time and focus from social media [02:20].

[05:57] Operation Headshot: A shoutout to the photography nonprofit helping veterans and spouses build skills and network through the camera [07:43].

[15:22] The Japan Experience: Omar recalls the "culture shock" of being stationed in Japan as a young Marine and the life-altering games played in the barracks [17:30].

[24:31] The Recall Reality: The intense story of being recalled to active service just as civilian life was starting to take hold [25:04].

[34:52] Returning to Your Hometown: Why the "grass isn't always greener" back home and the challenge of realizing the people you left behind have moved on [36:16].

[41:02] Breaking Into Film: How Omar transitioned from acting in front of the camera to producing and directing behind the scenes [43:41].

[51:25] The Power of Trying Everything: Why veterans should "taste" multiple jobs—from bartending to tech—to find what truly fulfills them [53:19].

[58:28] Writing Through Trauma: Omar explains how his book, Dust Settles, was born out of his VA counseling for PTSD and why "speaking the secrets" removes their power [01:01:51].

[01:12:51] Accountability and Mentors: Remembering the late Gunner McGriff and the impact of strong leadership on a young Marine's life [01:12:24].

[01:14:29] The GI Film Festival: A look at the upcoming festival and the importance of supporting veteran creative projects [01:16:04].

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Dust Settles by Omar Portilla (Available on Amazon).

App: Minimal Phone Launcher for digital minimalism.

Nonprofit: Operation Headshot (Photography for Veterans).

Military Retirement Group (Facebook): Join 2,700+ veterans for peer-to-peer support.

#Military #Veteran #MarineCorps #MilitaryToCivilian #VeteransHelpingVeterans #MilitaryTransition #Peruvian #PTSD #Author